Everything starts with a clever idea. Be that a business idea that will form the foundation for a later start-up or a new technology, developed within the scope of an academic project. Frequently, such an idea constitutes an invention with real market potential. In this case, it is recommended to protect the “intellectual property” by way of an industrial patent, for instance.

On 10/06/2015, the practice-oriented event “From Invention to Innovation” for professional patent management for employees of the KIT was held again in cooperation with the Center for Advanced Technical and Environmental Training (FTU). Fourteen participants came together to receive advanced training on the topics of protection of intellectual property and technology utilization. The KIT Innovation Department (IMA) presented the services for transfer of technology at the KIT.

The half-day events of the program for advanced training (Wissensaufbau und Technologietransfer – Knowledge building and transfer of technology) of the KIT Founders Forge are directed toward inventions that can develop through protection, e.g., in the form of patents ranging to commercialization. Innovations are thus created via an orderly and stringent process that is accompanied by the IMA. Inventions find their way into the economy in the form of technology transfer projects, startups, and the related license agreements. Due to the special circumstances, a separate seminar component is devoted to the transfer of technology in spin-offs. A wide array of services as well as partners and specialists are presented on this topic. Thus, the participants receive a first view of the founding scene at the KIT, the challenges when starting a business, and an initial “gut feeling” of whether they could actually imagine founding their own company. The event was once again topped off with a get-together to discuss individual questions with contact partners of IMA.

The next “From Invention to Innovation” advanced training sessions have already been scheduled: 03/15/2016 and 10/04/2016. Mark your calendar or register directly at the FTU. You can find the seminar in the program using the FTU shorthand MB431.

On March 16, 2015, the first of two advanced training events of this year for professional patent use began. KIT employees interested in the protection of intellectual property and technology utilization were invited. Using the title “From Invention to Innovation,” the KIT Innovation Department in cooperation with the Center for Advanced Technological and Environmental Training (FTU) informed its participants about the most important foundations and services at the KIT.

The half-day events of the program for advanced training WaTT (Wissensaufbau und Technologietransfer – Knowledge building and transfer of technology) were directed toward inventions that can develop into innovations through protection, e.g., in the form of patents ranging to commercialization. Innovations can thus find their way into the industry in the form of license agreements (technology transfer) or can form the basis of a spin-off. Technology transfer in the form of a spin-off plays an increasingly important role at the KIT. Therefore, part of the lecture concentrated on the offerings and founding services at the KIT. All participants received insight into the world of startups and spin-offs of the KIT. At the following get-together, there was enough time to reflect on the topics together with the participants. This way, for instance, the question could be resolved whether the spin-offs developed through the institute belong to the KIT or are independent.

Similarly, the advanced training also concretely helped two scientists interested in founding. They had already advanced their startup idea at the KIT accelerator upCAT and were now grateful about the expanded knowledge from the seminar on patents and licenses. Thus, nothing stands in the way of a spin-off. We are crossing our fingers for their startup project!

The next “From Invention to Innovation” advanced training session will take place on October 6, 2015. Mark your calendar or register directly at the FTU. You can find the seminar in the program using the FTU shorthand MB431.

The crisis is barely over, and the whole country is already calling for innovations. In times of flourishing information technology, a shift in energy, and the question about our future mobility, we definitely can’t do without them. But are innovations truly the panacea for our problems, and does innovation really make it or break it when it comes to success? Continue reading →